Summary

Chapter 7: August 1: Paris and London

France’s main objective was to enter the war with England as an ally. In order to accomplish this, France had to convince England that Germany was the aggressor. To underscore this point, French troops were ordered to withdraw by ten kilometers along the entire frontier. Joffre told the government that if he was not given the order to mobilize the troops of the five army corps and cavalry to the frontier, the Germans would enter France without one shot of resistance. He did accept the ten kilometer withdrawal. The government was still reluctant to move forward while there was the possibility of a diplomatic solution. The government agreed to give Joffre the go ahead on a limited basis – that is without calling in the extra reservists.

On July 31st, Messimy received intelligence that Germany was ready for...